America’s State Parks are offering free, guided New Year's Day hikes in all 50 states. Here's where the First Day Hikes will take place in Delaware.
Resolve to get outside more in 2017! Kick it off with a First Day Hike. America’s State Parks are offering free, guided New Year’s Day hikes in all 50 states; here’s where they’ll take place in Delaware.
EVERYBODY should resolve to get outside more this year: for the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature, and also because it’s FUN. Delaware has a ton of trails and other awesome opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, all year round.
To encourage everyone to get out there, America’s State Parks offers free hikes in all 50 states on New Year’s Day. These hikes are led by park staff and volunteers and vary in length and intensity. Take advantage of their expertise and the perfect predicted forecast (sunny and near 50!) and explore what makes the First State so great!
Delaware First Day Hikes
Easy
- Delaware Greenway Trail: 2.5 miles; meets 1pm at the Bellevue Arts Center at Bellevue Park
- Brandywine Zoo: 0.10 miles (really just a free tour through the zoo to see how the animals are cared for during the winter). Meets 10am at the zoo front gates. No pets.
- Hike the Seahawk Trail: 1.7 miles; meets 1pm at the pavilion at Holts Landing State Park. Recommended ages 6+ but open to all ages. Dress for some mud.
- Stories of The Green walking tour: 0.25 mile; meets 1pm at the John Bell House. “Led by guides in 18th century dress, listen to true tales of tragedy and infamy revealing the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.”
- Fort DuPont Walking Trail: about 1 mile, meets 2pm at the parking lot at the end of Wilmington Avenue. Dress for mud. “The hike follows a trail on an old military base. Visitors will see the old artillery emplacements, and may see some interesting birds and other wildlife as well!”
- Jersey Trail/Swamp Forest Trail Loop: about 1.5 miles; meets 2pm at the Lums Pond Area Five Nature Center. No age limit but must be able to walk a mile; pets have to be leashed.
- Bob Trail: 2 miles; meets 10am at the Baldcypress Nature Center at Trap Pond. “This hike will showcase some of the original Civilian Conservation Corps Structures within the park.”
- Creek Road Trail: 2.3 miles; meets at the White Clay Creek Chambers House Nature Center Parking Lot. No pets.
Moderate
- Northern Delaware Greenway Trail + Alapocas Run trails: 3.5 miles; meets 10am at the Blue Ball Barn at Alapocas Run State Park. Two hours.
- Auburn Valley Trail at Auburn Heights Preserve: about 1 mile; meets 2pm at the Auburn Valley Trail parking lot, located off Benge Road on Farm Lane.
- Hidden Pond/Indian Springs Trails: about 2.5 miles; meets 1pm at the Brandywine Creek State Park nature center. There will be a second hike at the same time on January 2nd.
- Fort Miles Pinelands Trail: 1.5 miles, meets 10am at the Fort Miles Orientation Building at Cape Henlopen. Ages 7 and up, no pets, be prepared to walk in loose sand.
- Hike The Point: 2 miles, meets 11am at The Point parking lot with extra parking at the Point Comfort Station parking lot. Ages 7 and up, no pets. “Hike to the northeastern edge of Delaware, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the “battle” between the sea and land that shape the Point. We’ll also search for seals and loons out in the water and other mystery items that have washed ashore on the 1.5-hour hike.”
- Pondside Nature Trail: 2.8 miles; meets 1pm at the Killens Pond nature center.
- Millstone Pond Trail: 1.3 miles; meets 1pm at the White Clay Creek State Park Carpenter Recreation Area. No pets or stroller access. “Hike on Your Own” suggestions will also be provided.
- Chestnut Hill Trail: 3.1 miles; meets 1pm at the Judge Morris Estate at White Clay Creek State Park. Kids should be in a backpack or capable of walking 3 miles. No pets.
Moderate/Strenuous
- Twin Valley Trail: 3.6 miles; meets 1pm at the White Clay Creek State Park Carpenter Recreation Area. Ages 5+ and no pets.
Have fun!
